Solomon Judges with Wisdom and Justice (07/15/2012)

Background Scripture: 1 Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 9:8 Lesson Passage: 1 Kings 3:16 – 28; 2 Chronicles 9:8 Solomon, the son of King David, served as Israel’s third king and he was the last of the monarchs to serve as king over all Israel. He was the second child born to David and Bathsheba. God did not allow the first child to live because he was conceived in an adulterous affair between King David and Bathsheba, the wife of one of the soldiers in David’s army. Although Solomon was not the oldest of David’s living sons, Bathsheba, at Nathan’s prompting, had convinced King David to ensure that Solomon would succeed him as king of Israel rather than David’s older son. Solomon’s youth proved to be a handicap to him and it showed early in his reign. Solomon followed the behavior of others in Israel and worshipped by using some of the practices of the Canaanites who God had displaced from the land. Furthermore, Solomon had begun to make alliances with some of the other kings to gain political clout rather than depend on the God of Israel. Perhaps this is why God chose to reveal Himself to Solomon one night. Solomon received one of the greatest gifts that a leader can receive. He received the blessings of God during his term of office as king of Israel. This did not come about as the answer to a prayer Solomon prayed. Rather, God appeared to Solomon one night in a dream and told him to make his request known unto Him. Solomon showed a lot of humility and selflessness in his request. He did not request something for himself but instead he requested understanding, or wisdom, to lead God’s people properly. Solomon showed great esteem for the people of God. Perhaps Solomon understood that his youth and inexperience limited his ability to rule well. Solomon also reflected on the manner in which God had been kind to his father David. Although he was young, Solomon wanted to do a good job of leading the people of God. God commended him for not being selfish in his request and asking for things that would only benefit himself such as long life, victory over his enemies, or wealth. But because Solomon’s desire was to serve the people of God with wisdom even at a young age (probably about 20 years old), God promised to honor his request and to also give him the other things that he did not request. As the text makes clear, the wisdom that God had given Solomon was put to the test soon after he received it. God had given Solomon the ability to discern the hearts of others by observing them in a dire situation. The word of Solomon’s God-given wisdom quickly spread. The people of Israel held Solomon in high regard because they could see the evidence of God’s hand upon Solomon. God also gave Solomon a good reputation as a wise ruler. This reputation extended far beyond the territorial boundaries of Israel as Solomon became known for his wisdom and justice. Robert C. Hudson July 6, 2012